Devo for 06/22/2025 service- Message by Pastor Clint Sprague
Pastor Clint brought us a powerful yet tough message this past weekend as we continued our hike through the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus made this entire sermon about establishing the values, standards, and culture of the Kingdom of God. As ambassadors of His Kingdom, it is imperative that we talk about all of the Sermon on the Mount and understand that Jesus desires that we be delivered from all of the bondage of this world.
“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.” 1 Corinthians 6:18
When it comes to sexual sin, Paul tells us it is an “inside” sin. In other words, sexual sin is something we do to our own body, and frankly, it is easy to keep secret from other people. But it is NOT secret from God. Pastor Clint made these three points:
Sexual Sin takes place in our hearts long before it physically happens
We must be deliberate in dealing with our sexual sin
As the bible says, we must flee from sexual sin.
We know this is a bigger issue that can be “fixed” in a devo or sermon. However, knowing the truth sets us on the path to reconciliation of ourselves, which in turn puts us in a position where we can walk with brothers as they are reconciled to God.
It should come as no surprise that satan has perverted one of the most beautiful things God has created: sex. Our society willingly encourages lust, pornography, and other sexual immorality inconsistent with God’s intentions. So let’s look at the truth!
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Colossians 3:5
Idolatry is a matter of misplaced trust and is a form of worship that seeks to satisfy fleshly needs. God is very clear in his word that we are not to have any gods besides Him, and we are not to make idols for ourselves. Sexual sin is an idol that we have made for ourselves!
Here is some more truth: From a study from Barna it was found that “75% of Christian Men and 40% of Christian Women consume pornography on some level.” Can I just say this? I believe that percentage is way too LOW. I reason that what is shown on regular over-the-air/cable/streaming TV/social media today would have been considered pornography in 1990. The fact is, even we Christians have conformed to what the world believes pornography is today. BUT, we don’t have to watch it!!
Lust is another area where the struggle is real with men. Pastor James deMello said, “The eyes are the gateway to lust.” I think this is a powerful and authoritative statement if we believe it! If we do not look, we can control lust. (If you don’t believe me, try it sometime. Try covering your eyes or looking away when that sexual image comes on your screen!)
Men, this is an area we cannot just pass by. You have probably heard the phrase, “you are only as sick as your secret sin.” There is so much truth in that! I cannot stress enough that you have to deal with sexual sin. The best part is, we have an amazing God that promised us this in Romans!
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”
Don’t let ego, fear or pride get in the way. I promise you, freeing yourself from the depravity of sexual sin will change your life!
My final point is: Don’t do it alone! Find a Christ-centered brother that you trust and ask him to walk with you. Go to Celebrate Recovery or Freedom KC. Talk to a Pastor. But don’t put it back in the box and hide it!!
Don’t forget to invite God into your day!
Topic for Study
Sexual Immorality
Galatians 5:19
Romans 13:13
1 Thessalonians 4:3
June Memory Verse:
James 1:12
Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.